THE RESTLESS AUTUMN (completed) (a full-length novel)

Crossroads

Chapter Eleven

Jo Yong-il lowered his eyes when Ji-heon tossed the documents away. His face had perspiration overlapping, his hands clasped together under the table in cold sweat.

"What's the meaning of this?" Ji-heon sat in his chair with a displeased look. "Where did the money go?"

Yong-il looked up and stuttered, "I-these are…."

"These are low grade materials. These are not what our clients have paid us for. I've received our third demand letter today. Do you understand the gravity of your offense?"

"I can explain."

"I went against everybody's advice just because my father said you were a decent man, and I believed him. But decent men do not cheat. They do not gain at another's expense!" Ji-heon shouted.

"Let me explain, please…"

"Yong Hae Corp. people were right. I should've known better."

"I'm sorry. Please give me another chance." Yong-il said.

"I don't give second chances. You're fired." Ji-heon went and opened the door. "Pray that I settle these cases or I'll come after you."

The senior rose from his seat and walked out with head bowed low, his eyes in tears. Ji-heon slammed the door, letting out his frustrations in one loud groan. He walked back to his table and faced the window, trying to subdue his anger by pushing his thoughts away. But the view across him never looked more rigid. The high rise structures reflected the kind of environment he was trapped in. It didn't help either that he was seeing throngs of people down the busy streets, because like the many other days before, he would watch and wait, just in case he'd find that particular face again. But eventually he would remember the letter and the closure it had meant to bring. Still, he found himself rejecting the finality in her words. He pulled away from the window and returned to his chair. After giving it some thoughts, he realized he had hastily handled Yong-il and mulled over ways to rectify the situation. He reached for the phone and attempted to call the senior employee, but hesitation set in. He was too proud to admit the company troubles weren't the only reason that had made him mad. Overtaken by pride, Ji-heon put the phone down and set his thoughts on Yong-il aside.

"Father Vincent, how are you?"

"I'm good, how about you?"

"I just came from the doctor."

"How was it?"

"The baby's doing very well."

"Glad to hear that."

"Father … the baby's a she."

"A little Shin Euna. I hope she grows up to be just like you."

"Then you're going to have more headaches." Euna laughed softly.

"I'll see to it she's going to be guided properly. She's going to be another Shin Euna minus all the troubles." Father Vincent echoed her laughter.

"Thank you, Father."

"You haven't taken your leave?"

"Not yet."

"You should soon. Too much stress can be harmful for the baby."

"I will. But Yong Hae's paying double if I extend for another two weeks. I have to save more money for my delivery."

"You don't need to worry about it."

"I owe you too much already."

"I don't remember you owing me anything."

"I have to do this on my own."